Wildlife Wednesday 03/06/24
Happy #WildlifeWednesday!
The Sandhill Crane is a tall elegant bird with a heavy body, soaring 6-foot wingspan, red crown of feathers on its head, and a fluffy bustle of gray plumage at its back end.
This graceful long-necked avian has a loud rolling trumpet-like vocalization that can be heard for miles. Mated pairs will engage in unison calling, standing close to each other and bugling a duet.
They live in open habitats near water and can be easy to spot. Look for them in wet meadows, prairies, marshes, bogs, and moist fields with standing water. They are quite social and form enormous flocks, sometimes numbering in the tens of thousands.
Sandhill Cranes are known for their elaborate courtship dances. Displaying cranes stretch out their wings and necks, pump their heads, leap into the air, circle one another, and bend in a low bow. The dancing strengthens the pair bond, as they are monogamous and mate for life.
While in general numerous throughout North America, the Sandhill Crane is an endangered species in Ohio. One location where they nest in our state is the Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area.
Join TWC education team members this Saturday at the Shreve Migration Sensation event! We will be looking for cranes and other birds from the Funk Bottoms observation deck.